|
Life Together
A Word from Pastor Brad
Koinonia is the transliterated form of the Greek word that means communion. Today it is a word that identifies the ideal state of fellowship, unity, and community that should exist within Christ’s Holy Church, the Body of Christ. As a church, this is what we are called towards. It is what we are called to be a part of. Is it difficult? Of course. Does it require time? Absolutely. Is it worth it? 100%! This feels like my calling. During a time of widening division in our culture, world, and churches we need koinonia, life together, more than ever. One of my favorite theologians Dietrich Bonhoeffer had plenty to say on life together. In fact, he had so much to say about life together that he wrote a book, Life Together. In his book he writes;
“It may be that Christians, notwithstanding corporate worship, common prayer, and all their fellowship in service, may still be left to their loneliness. The final breakthrough to fellowship does not occur, because, though they have fellowship with one another as believers and as devout people, they do not have fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. The pious fellowship permits no one to be a sinner. So everybody must conceal his sin from himself and from the fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So, we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy. The fact is that we are sinners!”
Life together requires trust, vulnerability, empathy, caring, and most importantly LOVE. We shouldn’t feel the need to hide our burdens, sins, pains, and doubts. We can’t hide those things from God, so why do we find it necessary to hide them from each other? Over the coming days, weeks, months, and years I am going to challenge everyone including myself to better live in Koinonia. Why? Because God desires it and if God desires it for us then it must be something we truly need.
Blessings,
Pastor Brad
|
|
|
First Quarter
Stewardship News
The stewardship communication for the first quarter has been mailed. Enclosed with the letter are giving statements where applicable. Please review your statement. If you see a discrepancy in giving or designation contact the church office or email Kathryn Gibbs, CTL Financial Secretary.
|
|
|
|
|
Affirmation of Baptism Ceremony
We will be honoring our three eighth-grade confirmation students on Sunday, May 28 during the 9:00 service. These fine youth have studied the Bible and Luther's Small Catechism for the last three years. They are ready to affirm, for themselves, the promises that their parents, sponsors, and congregation made on their behalf at their baptism. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall following the service. Please help us celebrate this milestone achievement with our youth.
|
|
Class of 2023
We would like to recognize the class of 2023 in an upcoming issue of our eNews. If you have a high school or college student graduating as the Class of 2023 email their name and the school they attended to Janice Aldridge in the church office.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grace House
End of Year Celebration
Come and celebrate the transformation God has done through Lutheran Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech's Grace House this past school year!
RSVP at gracepeople.org/celebrate or give us a call at 404.500.6233.
|
|
|
|
Toilet Paper Drive
This Sunday
This Sunday, April 30, Christ the Lord Lutheran is sponsoring a toilet paper drive for the Lawrenceville Co-Op. This obviously needed item is not routinely donated to the Co-op. They depend heavily on drives like ours to supply the needs of their clients. In the past, we have contributed enough TP to last months at the co-op. Let’s make this a great year and a TP drive to top the others. Our goal this year is 2023 rolls. Can you help us reach the goal? Bring in Toilet paper on Sunday, April 30.
|
|
|
|
Men's Fellowship Dinner
May 11
All adult men are invited to gather for dinner and fellowship at the home of Royce and Traci Herring on Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. The Herrings live at 600 Suwanee Lakes Drive in Suwanee. Food and drinks will be provided. Contributions to cover the cost of dinner are encouraged. Email Jim Clark with questions or to RSVP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday Morning Classes for Children and Youth
Let's close out the last few weeks of the Faith Formation year with strong participation.
Final classes for elementary students, confirmation, and high school youth are Sunday, May 14, at 10:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
Youth Summer Camp
Registration is Open
We will be hosting two weeklong servant camps for our youth this summer. Each gives the youth an opportunity to serve in the community every morning and then enjoy fellowship activities with the other campers in the afternoons. Both camps run 8:30 – 4:30. Both camps are $110 with scholarships available. Rising fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students are invited to attend Preteen Servant Camp June 19 – 23. Youth rising eighth grade through twelfth go to Teen Servant Camp July 10 – 14. Registration information is available at a display in the Narthex. Contact Diane Thomas for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions about Faith Formation Ministry and how you can be a part of it, contact Diane Thomas through the church office or by email (here)
|
|
|
|
|
Book Club
The book club meets in room 7 on the second Friday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Email Kathy Friton if you want to join (link here).
Upcoming Dates and Titles
May 12: The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
June 9: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende
July 14: The Anomaly by Herve Le Tellier
August 11: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
|
|
|
|
|
Adult Sunday Morning Faith Formation
10:00 a.m.
Room 7 in the Education Hallway
|
|
|
|
Men's Tuesday Bible Study
Study of Job
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Email Richard Burgess for more information
|
|
|
|
Thursday Morning Bible Study
The Gospels
All are Welcome
The class is an informal discussion of the Gospels. We are currently studying the Gospel of Matthew. Pr. Dale Sillik leads the discussion each Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in room #7. When time permits, Pastor Brad joins the group, so two Pastors for the price of one. All are welcome. We hope to see you there
|
|
|
Denim, Tees, and Formals
Oh My
As you're doing your spring cleaning and seasonal wardrobe changeover, please donate your gently used jeans, t-shirts, and formal attire for the domestic violence shelter. Many women, men, and children who arrive at the shelter have nothing but the clothes they are wearing. With prom and wedding season upon us and homecoming in the fall, we'd love to have a great selection for the residents to choose from so they can feel comfortable attending these events. You may leave your donations in the bin located in the narthex. If you have any questions, please mail Lori Leberman. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Care Team
The Care Team is being rebuilt. This group of servants will be on call to provide meals, send cards, provide rides or sit with folks experiencing hardship. They will also help to stay connected with members who are unable to attend services in person. If you have served in the past or if you would like to join the team, please email Lori Leberman, Outreach Ministry Chairperson.
|
|
|
|
|
We support the Lawrenceville
Co-Op Food Bank
The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry is a Christian organization providing food assistance for people in need in Lawrenceville and Dacula.
Most Needed Food Items
Snacks, Jelly (completely out), Macaroni and Cheese, Cereal, Pasta sauce, Instant potatoes, Laundry detergent, Shampoo
Visit the Co-Op Website (here) to learn all the ways to volunteer
|
|
|
|
Make Christ the Lord Your Church Home
We would love for you and your family to become an active part of our congregation. If you have been visiting for some time and feel comfortable with joining, why not make it official? The process is easy. Simply complete a one-page membership form with your family profile (name, address. etc.) to be entered into the church database. Jenny Lanning, our Director of New Member Ministry, has the necessary forms at the welcome podium in the narthex. She would be happy to assist you.
|
|
|
|
|
Toilet Paper Drive
April 30
Men's Fellowship Dinner
May 11
Book Club
May 12
Spring Play - The Mousetrap
May 19 and 20
High School Senior Blessing
May 21 at the 11:00 service
9:45 Breakfast for HS Seniors and their families
Confirmation Service
May 28 during the 9:00 service
*reception immediately after service
Vacation Bible School
June 5 - 9
AFFIRM Youth Camp
June 11 - 16
Preteen Servant Camp
June 19 - 23
Teen Servant Camp
July 10 - 14
|
|
Google Calendar
Keep up to date on all the events and activities happening at Christ the Lord. Access the google calendar on our website by clicking on the icon on the left side of this article.
|
|
|
Visitors, Want to Know More
About Our Congregation?
It’s easy…
Worship with us on Sunday mornings
Attend a monthly Meet the Pastor gathering
(generally held the 1st Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m.)
Visit the CTL website (www.ctllutheran.org)
Visit the Welcome Center for info on faith & ministries
Speak with Jenny Lanning, Director of New Member Ministries
Attend a Sunday morning or weekday Bible Study
Check out a book from the Church Library
Have a cup of Coffee & check out the Narthex Displays
Watch the PowerPoint presentation in the Narthex
Sign up to receive our e-newsletter
All Are Welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
In Our Prayers
We continue to pray for these friends to feel God's presence during
their challenging times: You may submit prayers below:
|
|
|
|  |
|
Carole Baldwin
Donna Byron
Kenny Clark
Jeff Dahlin
Charles Dispain
Mark Edwards
Jim Greene
Dottie Mack
Janet Schuman
Darlene Swaim
Jean Todd
Mariana Valcheva
LaVonne VanDeWalle
|
| |
|
|
|
|
You may mail checks to 1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043 |
|
Set-up electronic funds transfer by emailing our Treasurer, Brandon Witt
|
|
Reminder: No one on staff will ever contact you one-on-one through email or text for help with any ministry needs.... Be alert and vigilant to scammers' attempts to take advantage of our kind nature. We have had some reports of suspicious text. If you ever have questions we encourage you to call the church office.
|
|
|
Christ the Lord Lutheran Church
1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043
770-963-4499 ctllutheran.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
